F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has voiced his support for a Charles Leclerc Ferrari comeback, urging the team to reclaim its historic position at the front of the Formula 1 grid in upcoming seasons. As Ferrari endured one of its most difficult campaigns in the ground-effect era, Domenicali expressed confidence in Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and team principal Frederic Vasseur to drive a turnaround.
Ferrari’s Struggles and Leclerc’s Performance in 2025
Ferrari faced notable setbacks during the 2025 season, marking its poorest showing since ground-effect regulations returned. Charles Leclerc, familiar with Ferrari’s structure and car development since joining in 2019, remained consistent even as the team’s performance slumped in later races. While Leclerc adapted, Lewis Hamilton, in his debut Ferrari season following a move from Mercedes, endured unprecedented challenges. For the first time in his storied career, the seven-time world champion completed a season without making it onto the podium.
Heading into the second half of the championship, Ferrari was positioned to secure second in the constructors’ standings with Mercedes in close pursuit. However, the team, led by Frederic Vasseur, opted against introducing updates to the SF25 after April. This decision proved costly, as Ferrari’s momentum faded and both Mercedes and Red Bull surpassed them, resulting in a fourth-place championship finish.
Domenicali’s Call for Resilience and Strategic Action
During a recent interview with Sky Sports, Stefano Domenicali commented on Hamilton’s difficult adjustment and reflected on what Ferrari needs to pursue in 2026.
“You know, I’m a positive guy,”
Domenicali said [2:30 onwards].
“I think that there’s no need to cry. There’s no need to always be negative. They need to have a plan. And I’m sure that Fred and Lewis and Charles have a plan, and that’s what’s important. I think it’s important to react, not to fade away as if it were normal to be fourth in the championship.”
– Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO
Drawing on his experience as Ferrari team principal between 2008 and 2014, Domenicali outlined the mentality the team should maintain during the off-season to prepare for upcoming challenges.
“We want a strong Ferrari, and they deserve to be in a stronger position. So that’s what they should take home for the winter break to make sure that there is the right energy and the right thing to follow up because next year everyone is talking, but no one knows where we are.”
– Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO
In the 2025 drivers’ standings, Charles Leclerc ultimately ranked fifth, finishing well ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton, who took sixth place, with Leclerc’s points total outpacing Hamilton’s by 86.
Leclerc Outperforms Hamilton in Team Bosses’ 2025 Rankings
Further highlighting the season’s difficulties for the British driver, the annual list of the Top 10 drivers—compiled by F1 team principals and released on December 29, 2025—did not feature Lewis Hamilton for the first time in over a decade. Hamilton was out-qualified by Charles Leclerc 19 times over 24 races, emphasizing the Monegasque driver’s strong adaptation during a competitive slump for the team.
Although Red Bull and Ferrari team principals abstained from voting, other team bosses recognized standout performances. Max Verstappen led the rankings for the fifth consecutive year, despite narrowly losing the drivers’ crown to McLaren’s Lando Norris. Oscar Piastri, Verstappen’s McLaren teammate and championship frontrunner for much of the season, claimed third place in these assessments.
Ferrari’s Outlook for 2026
The combination of internal and external challenges has created a pivotal moment for Ferrari as it heads into 2026. With Stefano Domenicali’s public backing, the responsibility now falls to Frederic Vasseur, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton to translate potential into tangible results. Their strategy and energy during the winter break will be crucial for mounting a Charles Leclerc Ferrari comeback and returning the Prancing Horses to their traditional standing in Formula 1. As team principals and fans alike look to what lies ahead, Ferrari’s journey will remain at the heart of F1 storylines next season.
